Equity's 2007 Council election is about to get underway. You have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of your fellow actors and stage managers by GETTING INVOLVED and participating in this democratic process.

There are a number of ways to play a role in our election. One of the best is to be a member of the Nominating Committee. Each region - Eastern, Central and Western - elects its own Nominating Committee, made up of members-at-large and Council or Regional Board members. The majority of each committee is comprised of members-at-large. For example, on the Eastern Regional Nominating Committee there are 11 members-at-large and six Councillors. This year's committees will be selected at the Regional Membership Meetings on Friday, January 5, 2007 in the Eastern Region, and Monday, January 8 in the Central and Western Regions. To be a member of the committee, one must be a member in good standing and be present at a meeting or have submitted a written statement of willingness to serve.

The Nominating Committee is charged with the responsibility of recommending candidates for the National Council to the membership. These recommendations are based on interviews with interested individuals. The committee looks for candidates who have the ability to:

-Commit the time and energy necessary to do committee work as well as attend Regional Board and National Council meetings.

-Listen to both sides of issues facing the Union with an open mind and then promote a logical conclusion.

- Articulate their personal convictions regarding issues facing us and vote their conscience on these issues.

The Nominating Committees meet over a three to four week period beginning in late January. As an example, last year's Eastern Regional Nominating Committee held five meetings in two weeks with each meeting lasting approximately three hours. Having chaired the Eastern Regional Nominating Committee twice in the past few years, I am proud of the work accomplished during our meetings. There was a great deal of lively debate and even a disagreement or two, but ultimately, I believe we came up with candidates who we were all happy to endorse.

Another way to participate in this process is to run for Council. Should you have an interest in this, I strongly urge you to pursue it. Every prospective Council candidate has the option of meeting with the committee or of running by independent petition. More information on this part of the process will be available in upcoming issues of Equity News.

Finally, a reminder to us all that the easiest, yet most important way to play a role in all upcoming elections, is simply to vote.